Underground chamber.
The synchronized shouts rolled like successive thunderclaps. Dozens of Uchiha youths moved in perfect rhythm, their breathing unified as they drove out one straight punch after another.
Only after learning of the clan's looming crisis did they truly understand what Yuan meant by—
We are the clan's final support.
Now, more than ever, they immersed themselves in the cadence of training. Their gazes were firm, expressions solemn. Every straight punch they threw carried a chilling killing intent.
On the high platform, Uchiha Yuan faced them, matching them punch for punch.
He guided their tempo, correcting the rhythm of each strike, leading them into his method of breathing and circulation.
As time passed, pain began to surface on many young faces. Muscles trembled. Veins throbbed. Yet none stopped.
Behind Yuan, Uchiha Daishi and the others stood in three neat rows, following every movement precisely. Sweat drenched their clothes; steam rose from their bodies like wisps of smoke.
"Stop!"
After an unknown stretch of time, Yuan's sharp command exploded like thunder in their ears.
He exhaled slowly—a long, powerful breath that shot forward like a white streak, dispersing against the far wall.
Sweat dripped from every face. A shallow pool had formed beneath their feet.
All of them had reached their limits.
Their legs trembled. Strength had long since drained from their limbs. Yet they remained standing.
"Remember that breathing rhythm just now. That is the second stage of your cultivation."
"Never forget—straight punch training is the foundation. Every punch must carry a devout heart."
His gaze swept across them, and a faint, satisfied smile appeared.
Then he turned and walked back toward the stone throne.
Behind him, Daishi and the others were still silently comprehending the second-stage breathing method.
"This second-stage breathing is incredibly difficult," Daishi muttered to Uchiha Takeno. "If Big Brother hadn't guided us the entire time, I wouldn't have lasted."
Takeno nodded lightly.
"This is the Leader's final personal instruction before he leaves."
Nearby, Uchiha Kawa exhaled softly.
"I used my Sharingan to copy every movement Leader made during the straight punches. I have a feeling this second-stage breathing will bring a massive transformation."
Uchiha Kaede had been silent the entire time.
Suddenly, under Kawa's surprised gaze, he strode forward to the stone throne and looked up at Yuan.
"Leader… is there truly no way for the clan and the village to coexist peacefully?"
"Will it really come to the day when we draw blades against one another?"
The chamber fell silent again.
Yuan looked down at him.
For a moment, he did not answer.
Then, calmly:
"Peaceful coexistence is not impossible."
"But it requires balance."
His eyes grew distant.
"If the village ceases its suppression… if the clan relinquishes its obsession with greater authority… then peace can exist."
He paused.
"But tell me—do you believe either side is willing to yield?"
Kaede fell silent.
The others lowered their heads.
Yuan's voice remained steady.
"Conflict is born not from hatred, but from incompatible interests."
"When two forces both refuse to retreat, collision becomes inevitable."
He looked across the sea of young faces.
"That is why I say—we must prepare."
"If peace remains, we become the shield of the clan."
"If war comes, we become its blade."
His gaze sharpened.
"But until that day, we endure. We strengthen ourselves. We hide in the dark."
"No one must know how sharp we are… until the moment we are unsheathed."
A deep breath passed through the chamber.
Fear had not vanished—
—but it had been replaced by clarity.
Kaede bowed deeply.
"We understand, Leader."
Yuan closed his eyes briefly.
The storm was still distant.
But he could already hear the thunder gathering beyond the horizon.
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